He chuckles as he leads the kid’s parents into the conference room.
As soon as the glass door closes behind them, Sutton’s smile falls and that full upper lip curls into a scowl as she whispers, “What are you doing here?”
“I was invited.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it. You can’t just crash my meeting; that’s not how it works.”
“I assure you, Ms. Hart, this is exactly how it works. I’m surprised you don’t know that by now.” She does, she just doesn’t want to admit it, and honestly, that’s understandable. “A player says jump; his agentleaps.”
Her nostrils flare at that. “You are not his agent.”
I smirk. “Don’t fool yourself, Ms. Hart. It’s just semantics at this point.” I jerk my chin toward the conference room. “After you.”
“Yousnake,” she says, the words muttered quietly but sharp enough to sting. “You’re not getting this one.” She squares her shoulders and juts her chin out, the clear defiance making my palm itch. The way I want to praise her and punish her for that boldness in equal measure is staggering. The desire to replace that accusatory tone with breathy moans of pleasure has my cock perking up at the prospect.
I’d carry the weight of the world for this woman if it meant I get a glimpse of that genuine smile she keeps hidden away from me.
I lick my lips and lean in, chuckling when her breath catches. “It’s a pleasure to see you, Ms. Hart, as always. Even if it means you’ve wasted your time coming all the way out here.” Straightening, I incline my head. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a deal to close, and apparently, some Cuban pastries to eat.” I wink. “Nice touch.” Stepping past her, I pull open the door and wait for her to enter before me. The polite gesture has the desired effect: Sutton’s honeyed-amber eyes turn molten with indignation and anger.
And I fall for her just a little bit more.
Eventually, she folds, and I follow her into the conference room.
Once I’ve retrieved a pastry and poured myself a cup of coffee, I settle into a chair directly to Emerson’s right. His coach sits beside him on the other side, and to Coach’s left is Emerson’s dad, then his mom. When Gray sits down on my other side, I look at my partner, then at the empty seat beside Mrs. Bratt, and realize my mistake.
Sutton will sit down beside the kid’s mom, building on that female bond in such a way that will make me have to work twice as hard to win over the parents. I’ve made a rookie mistake, but not one I can rectify now without looking like an insolent child trying to win at a game of musical chairs.
Sutton strides around the table, all anger toward me shoved aside to make room for the knockout smile she wears now. She lights up the room, giving the late-morning Texas sun a run for its money as it shines through each floor-to-ceiling window.
In another fucking world, under literallyanyother circumstances, she’d be mine.
“Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Bratt, Coach Armstead… thank you for coming today.” She holds eye contact with each of them while she says their names, making sure they each feel acknowledged and important.
She’s good. Real good.
When her gaze flicks to mine, I have to bite back a grin when her nostrils flare. It’s entertaining how hard she tries to hate me, and I find myself trying to get under her skin more often than not. I’ve seen her at industry events, championship games, and bars around Los Angeles… no other agent—ormalefor that matter—gets this treatment from her. None of them are on the receiving end of secret stares when she thinks no one is looking, either.
Something about me strikes a nerve; what is it aboutherthat makes me want to strike them all?
“Mr. Cruz. Mr. Cross.” Her smile tightens at the edges. “Your presence was unexpected, but it’s always a pleasure to see you both.” That forced smile negates the pleasantry, but no one else seems to notice.
Grayson snorts quietly beside me. Clearlyhe’snoticed.
But then, as my best friend and righthand man, he knows all about my ridiculous crush on Sutton Hart.
“Emerson,” she begins, turning the force of her full attention on the young player. “I know you’re busy with your last year at Texas A&M, and that your calendar is likely filling up fast.” She sits down beside Mrs. Bratt like I expected she would, then continues speaking to the kid. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. You have many choices when it comes to managing your career, and I don’t take this opportunity lightly.”
With a quick nod, Emerson leans back in his chair, his brown eyes sharp as he looks between the two of us. “I didn’t realize inviting you both here today would be an issue.” Hiseyes narrow as they continue to bounce between us. “Should we reschedule? Separately?”
“No,” Sutton and I blurt out in unison, equally too loud for the quiet conference room.
The kid’s mom startles and Sutton is quick to place a hand on hers.
“I’m sorry.” She chuckles in a self-deprecating way and I can’t tear my eyes away from that slight flush of pink in her cheeks. “No, we wouldn’t dream of asking you to reschedule. Your time is valuable, Emerson, and so is the time your parents have taken to come here today. I think I can speak for the gentlemen from Apex Athletics when I tell you that we are pleased to proceed when you are.”
Emerson nods slowly, then leans back in his seat, resting his clasped hands across his torso. “Okay, ladies first,” he says to Sutton. “Convince me why I need you.”
Coach clears his throat, then shoots Emerson a look. “We’ve been over this, son.”
